Patents by Inventor Christopher Adam Ochocinski

Christopher Adam Ochocinski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9586597
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes prompting a user to change an operating mode of an electrified vehicle from a first mode to a second mode that is different than the first mode. The first mode is a default mode. The second mode is a non-default mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Bolger, Angel Fernando Porras, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, William David Treharne
  • Publication number: 20160347308
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes using a controller to automatically operate a vehicle in an electric mode when an actual speed of the vehicle is at or below a set threshold, and to automatically operate the vehicle in a hybrid mode when the actual speed is above the set threshold. The method further including adjusting the set threshold using a selector device such that the set threshold is changed without influencing the actual speed. Another exemplary method includes using a controller to automatically initiate a transition of a vehicle from an electric mode to a hybrid mode, or from the hybrid mode to the electric mode. The controller initiates the transition in response to a comparison of a state of charge of a battery of the vehicle to a threshold state of charge that is configured to be adjusted by an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Bryan Michael Bolger, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Joseph Gerald Supina
  • Patent number: 9446772
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes changing a scheduled preconditioning cycle of an electrified vehicle in response to a period without a key cycle of the electrified vehicle. Another exemplary method includes communicating an alert to an operator of an electrified vehicle in response to at least one preconditioning cycle of the electrified vehicle without a key cycle of the electrified vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karin Lovett, Angel Fernando Porras, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Ryan J. Skaff
  • Publication number: 20160264020
    Abstract: An exemplary creep torque selection method includes selecting an amount of reverse creep torque for a vehicle. The selecting is independent from an amount of forward creep torque for the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Joseph F. Stanek, Matthew Fleming, Stephen Li-Chun Shen, Robert David Hancasky
  • Publication number: 20160263961
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, automatically preconditioning a passenger cabin of an electrified vehicle during a DC fast charging event of a battery assembly if the electrified vehicle is turned OFF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: William David TREHARNE, Thomas Scott GEE, Christopher Adam OCHOCINSKI
  • Patent number: 9440644
    Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a speed of the electric vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the speed of the electric vehicle is above the threshold speed. The threshold speed is an operator-adjustable threshold speed. Another example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a state of charge of a battery of the electric vehicle is at a threshold state of charge, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the state of charge of the battery is at or below the threshold state of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Bryan Michael Bolger, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Joseph Gerald Supina
  • Publication number: 20160107656
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes changing a scheduled preconditioning cycle of an electrified vehicle in response to a period without a key cycle of the electrified vehicle. Another exemplary method includes communicating an alert to an operator of an electrified vehicle in response to at least one preconditioning cycle of the electrified vehicle without a key cycle of the electrified vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Karin Lovett, Angel Fernando Porras, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Ryan J. Skaff
  • Publication number: 20160068168
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes prompting a user to change an operating mode of an electrified vehicle from a first mode to a second mode that is different than the first mode. The first mode is a default mode. The second mode is a non-default mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Bolger, Angel Fernando Porras, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, William David Treharne
  • Publication number: 20150336568
    Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a speed of the electric vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the speed of the electric vehicle is above the threshold speed. The threshold speed is an operator-adjustable threshold speed. Another example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a state of charge of a battery of the electric vehicle is at a threshold state of charge, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the state of charge of the battery is at or below the threshold state of charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Bryan Michael Bolger, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Joseph Gerald Supina
  • Patent number: 9162664
    Abstract: A total power demand including a wheel power demand may be observed. The wheel power demand may be modified to determine a modified total power demand including a modified wheel power demand if the total power demand falls within a target range of power values defined by upper and lower threshold power values such that the modified total power demand is generally equal to the lower threshold power value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Derek Hartl, Linda K. Ringlein, Ryan J. Skaff, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, William Paul Perkins
  • Patent number: 9114709
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a climate control system and a battery that is connected to the climate control system for supplying power. The vehicle also includes at least one controller that is configured to receive input indicative of a battery power limit and a battery state of charge (BSOC). The at least one controller is also configured to disable the climate control system and reduce the battery power limit to an intermediate power limit, when the BSOC is less than a discharge limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Stanek, William David Treharne, Ryan J. Skaff, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Dale Gilman
  • Patent number: 9061598
    Abstract: An operation includes disabling a vehicle from moving while connection status of the vehicle with external charging infrastructure is unknown. A message is generated to advise a user to check the connection status. The vehicle is enabled to move upon a user indication that the vehicle is disconnected from the charging infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Ryan J. Skaff, Matthew Roger DeDona, Mark J. Ferrel
  • Patent number: 8977417
    Abstract: A system and method for determining functionality of a single signal wire actuator of a vehicle monitor the signal wire for a heartbeat signal after commanding the actuator and waiting for a self-diagnostic period. In one embodiment, a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric heater, a heater core and a valve positioned to route coolant through an engine and/or an electric heater. An actuator positioned to circulate coolant through the electric heater and the heater core is configured to transmit a heartbeat signal while connected to a power source and a ground terminal. A vehicle controller may be configured to store a diagnostic code, start the engine and/or control the valve to selectively route coolant through the engine and the heater core in response to a heat request and the heartbeat signal not being received from the actuator within a predetermined interval of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin R. Badger, Angel Fernando Porras, Michael Paul Lindlbauer, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
  • Publication number: 20150066257
    Abstract: An operation includes disabling a vehicle from moving while connection status of the vehicle with external charging infrastructure is unknown. A message is generated to advise a user to check the connection status. The vehicle is enabled to move upon a user indication that the vehicle is disconnected from the charging infrastructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Ryan J. Skaff, Matthew Roger DeDona, Mark J. Ferrel
  • Patent number: 8874344
    Abstract: Driver braking performance feedback may be conveyed to a vehicle operator as a braking efficiency score using a vehicle display system. The display system may include a vehicle display for displaying a braking efficiency indicator or gauge corresponding to the braking efficiency score. The braking efficiency score may be based on a comparison of the total regenerative braking energy recaptured during at least one braking event to a either a maximum amount of braking energy that may be recaptured during the at least one braking event or an actual total braking energy expended during the at least one braking event. The braking efficiency score may be displayed upon the completion of a braking event or upon a completion of a trip including a plurality of braking events. The display may also convey a distance corresponding to a portion of a trip distance achieved through regenerative braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Aldighieri, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, David L. Watson, Dale Gilman, Ryan Skaff, Dale Scott Crombez, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
  • Publication number: 20140114516
    Abstract: A system and method for determining functionality of a single signal wire actuator of a vehicle monitor the signal wire for a heartbeat signal after commanding the actuator and waiting for a self-diagnostic period. In one embodiment, a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric heater, a heater core and a valve positioned to route coolant through an engine and/or an electric heater. An actuator positioned to circulate coolant through the electric heater and the heater core is configured to transmit a heartbeat signal while connected to a power source and a ground terminal. A vehicle controller may be configured to store a diagnostic code, start the engine and/or control the valve to selectively route coolant through the engine and the heater core in response to a heat request and the heartbeat signal not being received from the actuator within a predetermined interval of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Justin R. Badger, Angel Fernando Porras, Michael Paul Lindlbauer, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
  • Publication number: 20140070013
    Abstract: A thermal system for an electric vehicle includes an electric heat source, a heat exchanger, a traction battery, a first thermal loop thermally coupled to the heat exchanger and the heat source, and a second thermal loop thermally coupled to the battery and configured to be selectively thermally coupled to the heat source. A vehicle includes an electric heat source, a heat exchanger system selectively thermally coupled with the heat source, and a traction battery system selectively thermally coupled to the heat source. A method of controlling a battery electric vehicle includes detecting a vehicle state input and operating an electric heater to heat a fluid. A valve arrangement is actuated to provide the fluid to one of a traction battery through a first fluid conduit, a heat exchanger through a second fluid conduit, and a battery and a heat exchanger through the first and second fluid conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Stanek, Brian Gillespey, Kenneth J. Jackson, Mark G. Smith, Scott Wojtkowicz, Andy Kummer, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
  • Patent number: 8662226
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin, a high voltage traction battery, an electric motor powered by the traction battery, and a charger connected to the traction battery. The charger converts alternating current (AC) to high voltage direct current (DC) to charge the traction battery when the charger is plugged into an alternating current (AC) power supply. A forced air system includes an air inlet duct, a first air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the outside of the cabin, a second air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the inside of the cabin, a fan, and a valve for controlling air flow through the first and second air outlet ducts. The forced air system is arranged such that forced air flows through the air inlet duct, removes heat from the charger, and flows through at least one of the first and second air outlet ducts to assist with vehicle preconditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Howard Varns, Marc Jonathon Lucas, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
  • Patent number: 8534400
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a traction battery, an auxiliary battery, and a controller. The controller is configured to prevent the traction battery from charging the auxiliary battery while the auxiliary battery has more than a minimum energy. The controller is further configured to, upon the auxiliary battery having the minimum energy, enable the traction battery to charge the auxiliary battery such that the auxiliary battery is maintained at the minimum energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Stanek, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
  • Publication number: 20130221741
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a climate control system and a battery that is connected to the climate control system for supplying power. The vehicle also includes at least one controller that is configured to receive input indicative of a battery power limit and a battery state of charge (BSOC). The at least one controller is also configured to disable the climate control system and reduce the battery power limit to an intermediate power limit, when the BSOC is less than a discharge limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Stanek, William David Treharne, Ryan J. Skaff, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Dale Gilman